Legislature(2025 - 2026)BUTROVICH 205

05/12/2025 01:30 PM Senate JUDICIARY

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* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+= SB 167 CRIM. CONV. OVERTURNED: RECEIVE PAST PFD TELECONFERENCED
Moved CSSB 167(STA) Out of Committee
+= HB 35 PRISONERS: ELECTRONIC DEVICE ACCESS/USE TELECONFERENCED
Heard & Held
-- Testimony <Invitation Only> --
+= SB 9 SURRENDER OF INFANTS; INF. SAFETY DEVICE TELECONFERENCED
Moved CSSB 9(JUD) Out of Committee
-- Testimony <Invitation Only> --
Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled
                    ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE                                                                                  
              SENATE JUDICIARY STANDING COMMITTEE                                                                             
                          May 12, 2025                                                                                          
                           1:43 p.m.                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
MEMBERS PRESENT                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Senator Matt Claman, Chair                                                                                                      
Senator Jesse Kiehl, Vice Chair                                                                                                 
Senator Löki Tobin                                                                                                              
Senator Robert Myers                                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
MEMBERS ABSENT                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Senator Gary Stevens                                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
COMMITTEE CALENDAR                                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
SENATE BILL NO. 167                                                                                                             
"An Act relating  to a permanent fund dividend  for an individual                                                               
whose conviction  has been vacated,  reversed, or  dismissed; and                                                               
relating to  the calculation of  the value of the  permanent fund                                                               
dividend  by  including payment  to  individuals  eligible for  a                                                               
permanent fund  dividend because  of a  conviction that  has been                                                               
vacated, reversed, or dismissed."                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
     - MOVED CSSB 167(STA) OUT OF COMMITTEE                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 35(STA)                                                                                 
"An Act relating to the  use and possession of electronic devices                                                               
by prisoners."                                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
     - HEARD & HELD                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
SENATE BILL NO. 9                                                                                                               
"An Act relating  to the surrender of infants;  and providing for                                                               
an effective date."                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
     - MOVED CSSB 9(JUD) OUT OF COMMITTEE                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
BILL: SB 167                                                                                                                  
SHORT TITLE: CRIM. CONV. OVERTURNED: RECEIVE PAST PFD                                                                           
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) KAWASAKI                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
04/10/25       (S)       READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS                                                                        
04/10/25       (S)       STA, JUD                                                                                               
04/24/25       (S)       STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)                                                                      
04/24/25       (S)       Heard & Held                                                                                           
04/24/25       (S)       MINUTE(STA)                                                                                            
05/01/25       (S)       STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)                                                                      
05/01/25       (S)       Moved CSSB 167(STA) Out of Committee                                                                   
05/01/25       (S)       MINUTE(STA)                                                                                            
05/02/25       (S)       STA RPT CS 2DP 2NR   SAME TITLE                                                                        
05/02/25       (S)       DP: KAWASAKI, GRAY-JACKSON                                                                             
05/02/25       (S)       NR: WIELECHOWSKI, BJORKMAN                                                                             
05/07/25       (S)       JUD AT 1:30 PM BUTROVICH 205                                                                           
05/07/25       (S)       Heard & Held                                                                                           
05/07/25       (S)       MINUTE(JUD)                                                                                            
05/12/25       (S)       JUD AT 1:30 PM BUTROVICH 205                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
BILL: HB  35                                                                                                                  
SHORT TITLE: PRISONERS: ELECTRONIC DEVICE ACCESS/USE                                                                            
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) HIMSCHOOT                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
01/22/25       (H)       PREFILE RELEASED 1/10/25                                                                               

01/22/25 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS

01/22/25 (H) CRA, STA 02/20/25 (H) CRA AT 9:00 AM BARNES 124 02/20/25 (H) Heard & Held 02/20/25 (H) MINUTE(CRA) 02/25/25 (H) CRA AT 9:00 AM BARNES 124 02/25/25 (H) Heard & Held 02/25/25 (H) MINUTE(CRA) 02/27/25 (H) CRA AT 8:00 AM BARNES 124 02/27/25 (H) Scheduled but Not Heard 03/13/25 (H) CRA AT 8:00 AM BARNES 124 03/13/25 (H) Moved CSHB 35(CRA) Out of Committee 03/13/25 (H) MINUTE(CRA) 03/14/25 (H) CRA RPT CS(CRA) 3DP 3AM 03/14/25 (H) DP: HALL, MEARS, HIMSCHOOT 03/14/25 (H) AM: HOLLAND, PRAX, RUFFRIDGE 03/27/25 (H) STA AT 3:15 PM GRUENBERG 120 03/27/25 (H) Heard & Held 03/27/25 (H) MINUTE(STA) 03/29/25 (H) STA AT 1:00 PM GRUENBERG 120 03/29/25 (H) Heard & Held 03/29/25 (H) MINUTE(STA) 04/08/25 (H) STA AT 3:15 PM GRUENBERG 120 04/08/25 (H) Moved CSHB 35(STA) Out of Committee 04/08/25 (H) MINUTE(STA) 04/09/25 (H) STA RPT CS(STA) 5DP 1DNP 1NR 04/09/25 (H) DP: MOORE, HOLLAND, HIMSCHOOT, STORY, CARRICK 04/09/25 (H) DNP: MCCABE 04/09/25 (H) NR: VANCE 05/02/25 (H) TRANSMITTED TO (S) 05/02/25 (H) VERSION: CSHB 35(STA) 05/05/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS 05/05/25 (S) JUD 05/07/25 (S) JUD AT 1:30 PM BUTROVICH 205 05/07/25 (S) Heard & Held 05/07/25 (S) MINUTE(JUD) 05/12/25 (S) JUD AT 1:30 PM BUTROVICH 205 BILL: SB 9 SHORT TITLE: SURRENDER OF INFANTS; INF. SAFETY DEVICE SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) MYERS

01/22/25 (S) PREFILE RELEASED 1/10/25

01/22/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS

01/22/25 (S) HSS, JUD 02/20/25 (S) HSS AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205 02/20/25 (S) -- MEETING CANCELED -- 02/25/25 (S) HSS AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205 02/25/25 (S) Heard & Held 02/25/25 (S) MINUTE(HSS) 02/27/25 (S) HSS AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205 02/27/25 (S) <Above Item Removed from Agenda>-- 02/27/25 (S) MINUTE(HSS) 03/13/25 (S) HSS AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205 03/13/25 (S) Moved CSSB 9(HSS) Out of Committee 03/13/25 (S) MINUTE(HSS) 03/14/25 (S) HSS RPT CS 2NR 1DP SAME TITLE 03/14/25 (S) NR: DUNBAR, GIESSEL 03/14/25 (S) DP: HUGHES 03/31/25 (S) JUD AT 1:30 PM BUTROVICH 205 03/31/25 (S) Heard & Held 03/31/25 (S) MINUTE(JUD) 04/11/25 (S) JUD AT 1:30 PM BUTROVICH 205 04/11/25 (S) Heard & Held 04/11/25 (S) MINUTE(JUD) 05/12/25 (S) JUD AT 1:30 PM BUTROVICH 205 WITNESS REGISTER GENEVIEVE WOJTUSIK, Director Permanent Fund Dividend Division Department of Revenue Juneau, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the discussion of SB 167. NANCY MEADE, General Counsel Alaska Court System Anchorage, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the discussion of SB 167. BREANNA KAKARUK, Staff Senator Matt Claman Alaska State Legislature Juneau, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Presented the Explanation of Changes for HB 35 from version T to version O. APRIL WILKERSON, Deputy Commissioner Department of Corrections Juneau, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the discussion of HB 35. BRANDON JONES, Superintendent Hiland Mountain Correctional Facility Eagle River, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the discussion of HB 35. BREANNA KAKARUK, Staff Senator Matt Claman Alaska State Legislature Juneau, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Presented the Explanation of Changes for SB 9 from version G to version T. JOE KELSEY, Co-Founder and Senior Project Coordinator Safe Haven Baby Boxes Woodburn, Indiana POSITION STATEMENT: Testified by invitation and answered questions during the discussion of SB 9. ACTION NARRATIVE 1:43:44 PM CHAIR CLAMAN called the Senate Judiciary Standing Committee meeting to order at 1:43 p.m. Present at the call to order were Senators Myers, Kiehl, Tobin, and Chair Claman. SB 167-CRIM. CONV. OVERTURNED: RECEIVE PAST PFD [CSSB 167(STA) was before the committee.] 1:44:18 PM CHAIR CLAMAN announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 167 "An Act relating to a permanent fund dividend for an individual whose conviction has been vacated, reversed, or dismissed; and relating to the calculation of the value of the permanent fund dividend by including payment to individuals eligible for a permanent fund dividend because of a conviction that has been vacated, reversed, or dismissed." CHAIR CLAMAN said this is the second hearing of SB 167 in the Senate Judiciary Committee. The intention is to look to the will of the committee to move the bill. He invited questions from committee members. 1:44:47 PM SENATOR MYERS referenced language the State Affairs Committee inserted in the bill on page 1, line 12, which ensured "the dismissal was not part of a plea agreement." He questioned whether plea agreement ineligibility applies only to felony convictions or also to misdemeanor convictions. SENATOR MYERS stated that he wanted to ensure the language does not allow individuals to plead down to a level that would make them eligible for a PFD despite having other felony or misdemeanor convictions, whichever applies. He asked staff to elaborate on that issue. 1:46:13 PM CHAIR CLAMAN directed the question to the director of the Permanent Fund Division for the specifics of who is and is not eligible. 1:46:42 PM GENEVIEVE WOJTUSIK, Director, Permanent Fund Dividend Division, Department of Revenue, Juneau, Alaska, cited AS 43.23.005(d), Eligibility: Notwithstanding the provisions of (a) (c) of this section, an individual is not eligible for a permanent fund dividend for a dividend year when (1) during the qualifying year, the individual was sentenced as a result of conviction in this state of a felony; (2) during all or part of the qualifying year, the individual was incarcerated as a result of the conviction in this state of a (A) felony; or (B) misdemeanor if the individual has been convicted of (i) a prior felony [as defined in AS 11.81.900;] or (ii) two or more prior misdemeanors [as defined in AS 11.81.900.] 1:47:28 PM SENATOR MYERS asked whether an individual with a prior conviction that made them ineligible could later become eligible. For example, if that conviction were vacated as part of a plea deal with reduced charges, provided the charges were reduced enough for eligibility. He stated that the intent should be to ensure that individuals whose convictions are vacated due to findings of fact or trial error would be eligible to receive PFDs, but not in cases where eligibility is restored through a technicality. 1:48:29 PM MS. WOJTUSIK deferred to the court system or Legislative Legal Services. 1:48:38 PM CHAIR CLAMAN directed the question to Ms. Meade. 1:48:53 PM NANCY MEADE, General Counsel, Alaska Court System, Anchorage, Alaska, replied that, as she interprets SB 167, an individual incarcerated for a felony or a misdemeanor with priors is ineligible. These individuals will only become eligible for and covered under SB 167 if all charges are dismissed. No plea deal. She explained that a reversed or vacated judgment that is later resolved by a plea to a lesser charge in superior court would not be eligible under SB 167 because the charges would not have been fully dismissed. MS. MEAD stated that SB 167 clarifies that dismissals made as part of a plea agreement in another case would not qualify. She explained that if a case is dismissed in exchange for a plea in a separate matter, that dismissal would not meet the eligibility criteria under SB 167. She stated that, as she reads between the lines, the intent of the language appears to focus on situations involving full dismissal of charges, rather than cases resolved through plea agreements or reduced charges. 1:50:21 PM SENATOR MYERS said that satisfies his concerns. 1:50:38 PM CHAIR CLAMAN solicited the will of the committee. 1:50:41 PM SENATOR KIEHL moved to report CSSB 167(STA), work order 34- LS0491\N, from committee with individual recommendations and attached fiscal note(s). 1:50:57 PM CHAIR CLAMAN found no objection and CSSB 167(STA) was reported from the Senate Judiciary Standing Committee. 1:51:01 PM At ease. HB 35-PRISONERS: ELECTRONIC DEVICE ACCESS/USE 1:52:33 PM CHAIR CLAMAN reconvened the meeting and announced the consideration of CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 35(STA) "An Act relating to the use and possession of electronic devices by prisoners." CHAIR CLAMAN said that this is the second hearing of HB 35 in the Senate Judiciary Committee. [SCS CSHB 35, version T, was adopted on May 7, 2025.] The intent is to consider adoption of a new Senate committee substitute (SCS), version O. 1:52:49 PM CHAIR CLAMAN solicited a motion. 1:52:54 PM SENATOR KIEHL moved to adopt the Senate committee substitute (SCS) for CSHB 35, work order 34-LS0355\O, as the working document. 1:53:09 PM CHAIR CLAMAN objected for purposes of discussion. He invited his staff to summarize the changes. 1:53:21 PM BREANNA KAKARUK, Staff, Senator Matt Claman, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, presented the Explanation of Changes for HB 35 from version T to version O. [Original punctuation provided.] Explanation of Changes House Bill 35: Version T to Version O Page 3, lines 16-18: Delete: "or as a substitution for in-person visitation, receiving mail, receiving medical services, or other in-person communication" Page 2, following line 21: Insert new subsection to read: "(f) The commissioner may not replace in-person visitation with the use of a computer or electronic tablet. To the extent practicable, the commissioner may not replace an existing program or service provided to a prisoner for the purpose of rehabilitation with the use of a computer or electronic tablet authorized under (a)(3)(I) of this section. A computer or electronic tablet may be used only to supplement an existing program or service." Page 3, line 24: Conforming changes. 1:54:28 PM CHAIR CLAMAN removed his objection and SCS CSHB 35, version O, was adopted as the working document. CHAIR CLAMAN noted that the superintendent from Hiland Mountain Correctional Facility and the deputy commissioner from the Department of Corrections (DOC) were available to answer questions. He invited committee members to ask questions. 1:55:10 PM SENATOR TOBIN asked about internet literacy and raised concerns about the vulnerability of incarcerated individuals to phishing, identity theft, and other online risks. She asked what training or protections would be in place to safeguard incarcerated individuals using such devices. 1:56:07 PM APRIL WILKERSON, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Corrections, Juneau, Alaska, sought clarification, asking whether the question concerned what DOC will do to prevent phishing and identity theft for incarcerated individuals who will use the tablets. SENATOR TOBIN answered that is correct. MS. WILKERSON responded that a third-party vendor is responsible for the program's system structure and security. She explained that the system operates on a closed network and is not wide open to the Internet. She said security controls are in place to flag and identify potential threats. 1:57:30 PM SENATOR TOBIN asked whether the department has considered digital or internet literacy training for incarcerated individuals, noting that some individuals may not have prior experience with such technology. She asked whether there would be opportunities for individuals to develop those skills while incarcerated. MS. WILKERSON replied that the vendor supplying the tablets will provide some training for DOC's security staff. The security staff will, in turn, train the incarcerated population. She noted that some individuals have declined to use the tablets, but that participation may increase through exposure and training. She deferred to Superintendent Jones for additional information regarding the implementation of training within the pilot program at Hiland Mountain. 1:58:58 PM BRANDON JONES, Superintendent, Hiland Mountain Correctional Facility, Eagle River, Alaska, replied that the department is conducting a pilot program that includes educational programming alongside tablet use within the facility. He explained that approximately 15 incarcerated individuals are participating in educational courses focused on leading to employment. Educational programming includes computer skills literacy, with support from education coordinators, so inmates learn skills and build confidence in using technology both during incarceration and after release. MR. JONES stated that the facility also provides orientation for individuals using tablets for the first time. He explained that inmate workers, including librarians and law librarians, assist in training others, and that orientation includes video instruction, hands-on tutorials, and staff supervision to support learning. 2:00:11 PM CHAIR CLAMAN asked about language in the committee substitute, specifically [Section 2,] subsection (f). The last sentence states that "a computer or electronic tablet may be used only to supplement an existing program or service." He asked how the provision would apply to a new online-only program not previously offered by DOC, and whether that would require legislative action to amend the statute to allow new tablet-only programs. MS. WILKERSON replied that the department would defer to policymakers and the Department of Law for clarification. She expressed her understanding that the intent of the provision is not to limit programming, but to identify efficiencies and expand access to education and services. She noted that some providers are transitioning to online-only platforms, and DOC aims to ensure those opportunities are not lost. She said DOC would work with the legislature to address situations where tablets may be the only option. 2:02:19 PM CHAIR CLAMAN held SCS CSHB 35, version 0, in committee. SB 9-SURRENDER OF INFANTS; INF. SAFETY DEVICE 2:02:22 PM CHAIR CLAMAN announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 9 "An Act relating to the surrender of infants; and providing for an effective date." CHAIR CLAMAN said this is the third hearing of SB 9 in the Senate Judiciary Committee. [The committee amended CSSB 9(HSS), adopting Amendment 3 on April 11, 2025.] The intention is to consider the adoption of committee substitute (CS), version T. 2:02:37 PM CHAIR CLAMAN solicited a motion. 2:02:40 PM SENATOR KIEHL moved to adopt the committee substitute (CS) for SB 9, work order 34-LS0085\T, as the working document. 2:02:55 PM CHAIR CLAMAN objected for purposes of discussion. He invited his staff to present the summary of changes. 2:03:06 PM BREANNA KAKARUK, Staff, Senator Matt Claman, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, presented the Explanation of Changes for SB 9 from version G to version T. [Original punctuation provided.] Explanation of Changes Senate Bill 9: Version G to Version T Page 2, line 15-17: Removes the authority of the Commissioner of the Department of Family [and Community Services] to designate additional appropriate locations for an infant safety device beyond the approved listed designated facilities as requested by the department. Page 4, lines 4-8: Deletes assessment considerations for determining whether to approve a proposed infant safety device and adds the requirement that the infant safety device must be installed, operated, and maintained according to the manufacturer's guidelines and regulations that are adopted by the Department. Adds that the infant safety devices must be inspected upon installation and annually by the manufacturer or the manufacture's designee, and inspected monthly by the designated facility that installed the device. These inspections are required to be logged by the designated facility and must include the testing of the device's alarms, cameras, climate control systems, and locks. 2:04:31 PM SENATOR TOBIN referred to page 4, lines 4-7 of the proposed CS, version T, asking whether there is an estimate of the cost associated with installation and annual inspection requirements. She asked who would be responsible for covering those costs or whether the responsibility would fall to the entity utilizing the boxes. SENATOR MYERS, speaking as sponsor, replied that he consulted with Department of Health (DOH) and local fire departments to develop Section [4.] He stated that entities could roll monthly inspections into existing equipment inspection routines without additional cost. He explained that the devices would be treated similarly to equipment such as fire extinguishers or automated external defibrillators (AEDs), which already require periodic inspection. SENATOR MYERS stated that the manufacturer or designated party would perform the required annual inspections, as with other medical equipment, such as hospital beds. He added that DOH would verify that the manufacturer or designated party completed the inspections during its facility reviews but would not conduct the equipment inspections itself. 2:06:20 PM SENATOR TOBIN stated that while the inspection comparison to fire extinguishers and automated external defibrillators (AEDs) is helpful, the inspection requirements for a baby box would likely be more involved. The inspection process for a baby box would, hopefully, require more than checking a gauge. She explained that, based on her experience, certain medical equipment, such as mammography machines, require service inspections that the facility using the equipment pays for. SENATOR TOBIN stated that she would like more information regarding the anticipated costs associated with installation and maintenance, including who would ultimately bear those costs. 2:07:07 PM SENATOR MYERS stated that a representative from Safe Haven Baby Boxes, a primary manufacturer of the devices, is available to provide a few more specifics. He noted that installing the devices is voluntary, and anticipated private donations would fund many of them. The facility, the manufacturer, and the fundraising efforts would determine the cost. He explained that there could be some limited cost to municipalities if fire departments choose to participate, but participation is not required. SENATOR MYERS noted that some hospitals are municipally owned while others are private or nonprofit entities, and any associated costs would be incorporated into their operations. 2:08:06 PM CHAIR CLAMAN expressed his perspective on the language in paragraph (6) on page 4 of the proposed CS. He noted that the requirement for inspections upon installation and annually by the manufacturer or the manufacturer's designee suggests that the manufacturer would bear the cost of those inspections. He stated that the language does not indicate that another party would assume the fiscal responsibility. CHAIR CLAMAN said Mr. Kelsey from Safe Haven Baby Boxes was available to provide testimony and answer questions. He invited Mr. Kelsey to introduce himself, provide a brief statement, and respond to questions. 2:09:11 PM JOE KELSEY, Co-Founder and Senior Project Coordinator, Safe Haven Baby Boxes, Woodburn, Indiana, stated that the program includes an initial fee covering the manufacture of the baby box, as well as training and testing for installation at the designated location. The location is typically responsible for contracting installation and connecting the system to an alarm that communicates with the local dispatch center, such as a fire station. MR. KELSEY stated that the program includes an annual fee of $500 in the Lower 48 states, which covers ongoing support for the baby box program and an annual physical inspection conducted by the organization. MR. KELSEY stated that the program requires weekly testing by the facility, including simulating placement of a baby in the box to ensure the mechanics function properly and that the alarm system notifies dispatch within the appropriate timeframe. 2:10:47 PM CHAIR CLAMAN asked about the annual fee structure, noting that costs in Alaska are typically higher due to travel expenses. He asked how the annual fee might change for Alaska and whether the organization had an estimate. MR. KELSEY replied that the costs would likely be higher in Alaska. The basis for pricing is travel-related expenses, including airfare, lodging, transportation, and wages. He noted that the organization does not seek to profit from the fee. He explained that annual visits include inspections of the box to ensure it does not require maintenance. The inspection also includes reviewing logs to ensure the location is doing weekly testing, answering questions, and providing supplies. He said that his organization wants to ensure each location has the tools it needs for the safe and successful surrender of a baby. 2:12:42 PM CHAIR CLAMAN asked whether, in other states where baby boxes are in use, inspections are conducted by locally based certified individuals or by staff traveling from the organization's home office. MR. KELSEY responded that it is somebody from the home office. CHAIR CLAMAN asked whether the organization ever uses a contractor in another location or if all the inspections are conducted by staff from the organization's home office. MR. KELSEY replied that inspections are conducted by staff from the organization's home office, though on rare occasions, local contacts are used for troubleshooting. The organization aims to respond to issues within 72 hours, either remotely or in person. CHAIR CLAMAN asked whether the organization has boxes in Hawaii. MR. KELSEY replied that the organization does not have any in Hawaii. He stated that the farthest locations from its base in Indiana are Arizona and Idaho. 2:14:16 PM SENATOR TOBIN asked which regulatory body, if any, oversees or approves Safe Haven Baby Boxes. She referenced comparative equipment, such as fire extinguishers regulated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and medical beds regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). MR. KELSEY responded that the organization received a determination from the FDA that the baby box is not a medical device and is therefore not regulated as one. He stated that although the box contains medical components, such as a medical bassinet with UL-listed parts, no government agency regulates it. He said a safety inspection was conducted on the box, and that provided recommendations. 2:15:38 PM CHAIR CLAMAN invited the bill sponsor to make closing comments. SENATOR MYERS expressed appreciation to the committee for taking the time to hear SB 9. He also thanked the Department of Health and the Department of Family and Community Services for their assistance in developing the legislation, stating that their input helped balance safety considerations while maintaining a zero fiscal note. 2:16:11 PM CHAIR CLAMAN stated that, based on Mr. Kelsey's testimony, the cost of inspections conducted by the manufacturer would likely exceed $500 in Alaska and raised the question about who would bear those costs. SENATOR MYERS responded that such costs would be known in advance to any facility choosing to install the devices and could be planned accordingly. He acknowledged concerns about future costs and reiterated that it is important to make the baby box option available. 2:17:05 PM [The objection to adopting CSSB 9, version T, as the working document was implicitly dropped and it was adopted.] CHAIR CLAMAN solicited the will of the committee. 2:17:07 PM SENATOR KIEHL moved to report CSSB 9, work order 34-LS0085\T, from committee with individual recommendations and any accompanying fiscal note(s). 2:17:26 PM CHAIR CLAMAN found no objection and CSSB 9(JUD) was reported from the Senate Judiciary Standing Committee. 2:17:49 PM There being no further business to come before the committee, Chair Claman adjourned the Senate Judiciary Standing Committee meeting at 2:17 p.m.

Document Name Date/Time Subjects
CSHB 35 version O 5.12.25.pdf SJUD 5/12/2025 1:30:00 PM
HB 35
CSSB 9 version T.pdf SJUD 5/12/2025 1:30:00 PM
SB 9
HB 35 Explanation of Changes version T to version O 5.12.25.pdf SJUD 5/12/2025 1:30:00 PM
HB 35
SB 9 Explanation of Changes version G to version T 5.12.25.pdf SJUD 5/12/2025 1:30:00 PM
SB 9
SB 9 Letter of Support- City of Fairbanks 4.23.2025.pdf SJUD 5/12/2025 1:30:00 PM
SB 9
Corrected HB 35 Explanation of Changes version T to version O 5.12.25.pdf SJUD 5/12/2025 1:30:00 PM
HB 35